Coral Reef Watch expands bleaching alert system

Virtual Stations are based on satellite measurements of the thermal stress that can lead to coral bleaching, highlighting pixels that are close to specific reefs.

Users can access time series graphs and data, view regional temperature imagery, and sign up for free alert e-mails that warn when conditions are right for coral bleaching.

The operational system began in 2005, with 24 reefs around the world. The new experimental sites are open for comment and further discussion from partners around the world to optimize placement and the satellite data will be validated against in situ data where available.

The new experimental sites cover coral reefs in the Florida Keys, Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, Indian Ocean, Coral Triangle, Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, Hawaii, and the Pacific Ocean. Products are available from our experimental products webpage: